Through Colored Glasses

Seven years ago, I was struggling with a life-changing decision. I found myself stuck on two issues beyond my ability to resolve. If either of those issues went sideways, the change I was considering would lead to major complications.

My inability to see beyond those issues felt like wearing sunglasses in a darkened room.

Fortunately, Tom Harper and I had a conversation and an email exchange which provided the clarity I needed to make a decision which has turned out to be one of the very best of my life. I am forever grateful for the two simple questions he asked which drove away the darkness.

Tom’s new book, Through Colored Glasses: How Great Leaders Reveal Reality may well do the same for you. I appreciate him sending it my way.

This slim volume, which launches the Deep Water Books imprint, provides a leadership fable full of characters each of us can identify with real-life individuals. It tells the story of a scenario all of us can relate to.

The story moves quickly and briefly to a fitting conclusion. We gain insights into ourselves and our self-leadership skills. We feel the weight of uncomfortable moments and hard decisions.

The Afterword is golden. Alone, it could serve as a nice exposition of truth few would bother to read. The story makes the lessons come alive in a manner which is all the more valuable.

For example, we experience peace in our lives when we embrace the truth. A close walk with God empowers us to see ourselves and our world in a very different light. Outward cues reveal the state of a person’s thoughts. Too much talk can quickly lead to foolish behavior. Humbling ourselves and giving ourselves the gift of self-control leads to honor.

One of the bottom-line lessons of the book is this thought: “We don’t have to fall victim to people’s invisible motives,” (p. 95). Jesus not only saw everything clearly, he helped others do the same (Mark 8:25). He will do this for us as well.

This is the kind of book you can give a friend who generally does not like to read that much. He or she can complete this book in an hour or two. The story will linger for years. The lessons will last for a lifetime.

Read this book with a group or a team. Enjoy discussing it and associating the characters with people you have known across the years. Help one another learn to see reality from God’s perspective.

1 Sam. 30:6 David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD his God. (NLT)